Private Investigator's Guide to Getting Started with Twitter

Getting started on Twitter is a quick and easy process, but there are some important details you should consider as you create your account and start tweeting. To get you on your way to becoming an influential private investigator on Twitter, PInow put together this quick list of 10 tips to get started on Twitter.

Step 1: Create an account - Visit Twitter.com and create your account. The only required information is your name and email address.

Step 2: Create a user name - Your user name will also act as your "handle," which is the name that represents you on Twitter (e.g., @investigator_pi). You'll want to choose your user name wisely and professionally, and ideally it will be the name of your investigation firm. Don't make the mistake of choosing a strange name and having to tell peers and potential clients to follow you at @lovemonkey007.

Step 3: Fill out your profile - Your profile should reflect your professionalism through and through. Make sure the photo or company logo is socially acceptable. Fill out the bio field with useful information about you and your investigative firm. Include a link to your private investigator website if you have one.

Step 4: Customize the background - You can choose from several pre-designed backdrops for your Twitter page, or you can design a custom background with your logo or other images. A quick internet search will turn up dozens of sites that offer Twitter pre-designed or customizable background designs.

Step 5: Be picky about who you follow - Don’t collect followers for the sake of having followers. You want to follow people relevant to your industry who post content that you find interesting. This will help you cultivate a list of followers who appreciate the information you're putting out there.

Step 7: Build Twitter lists - Eventually you’ll be following too many people to keep them all straight. Keeping users organized in lists helps streamline content and, if you add people to lists, people may be inclined to return the favor.

Step 8: Tweet relevant content - No one wants to hear about the sandwich you had for lunch or whether the rash on your thigh is finally clearing up. Your followers will thank you for sticking to more industry-relevant topics.

Step 10: Use hashtags - Trending topics are essential to getting your tweets out there. To indicate a trending topic, you can include a hashtag symbol (#) before the keyword you want to emphasize (e.g., #surveillance), but #dont #overdo #it #please.

Get recognized as an influential Twitter-using investigator

PInow is scouring Twitter to compile a list of the most influential tweeting private investigators, and we want to make sure you're included. If you're already on Twitter, post your Twitter handle (e.g., @investigator_pi) as a comment on the PInow Facebook page so we can add you to the list. If not, sign up today for a free Twitter account and then post your handle on our Facebook page.